In June, 12 youth artists participating in the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s Emerging Artist Apprenticeship Program had the opportunity to showcase their traditional weaving at the Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) Co-op. One of those artists was Jalen Hannaweekea.
Now 21, Jalen was born and raised in the Pueblo of Zuni. His personal artistic journey began when he was a student at Rehoboth Christian School near Gallup, New Mexico; while attending the school as a freshman and sophomore, he had the opportunity to learn the craft of pottery.
“I enjoyed that a lot — hands on, getting dirty, working with the materials,” he says.
Wanting to be closer to home (and, he says, not wanting to catch a bus at 5 a.m. anymore), Jalen transferred to Zuni High School for his junior year. And, he registered for a pottery class.
“I taught the teacher and students some of the techniques I learned,” he remembers with a smile.
About two months ago, Jalen says he learned fetish carving (rock carving) from his mother. Then he learned about the opportunity to join ZYEP’s apprenticeship in traditional weaving.
“I wanted to learn more about our artistic and cultural traditions here in Zuni, and to get more experience,” he explains. “I didn’t know what to expect. I just went with it!”
Learning to produce the traditional designs is challenging, Jalen says. With a laugh, he continues, “My brain had a malfunction! It takes a lot of patience and a lot of focus, but I have a smaller loom at home; I practiced and learned to do it.
During the seven-week apprenticeship, Jalen made three hair ties, two belts and two leg ties. At first, one piece might take two or three days. Now, he is able to complete a piece in a few hours.
“Once you get the pattern, you’ll get the hang of it,” he says. “I’ve definitely improved, but I understand I’m still early in the journey.”
He says he had the “nervous jitters” about the showcase at ARTZ, but he was looking forward to sharing the experience with his fellow apprentices.
“We learned together,” he explains.
The Emerging Artist Apprenticeship was Jalen’s first program at ZYEP, but that program led quickly to another. While he participated in the weaving classes, staff member Liam Simplicio asked if he might consider becoming a coach for the youth project’s first T-ball season.
“I thought, yeah, I’ll be a coach for T-ball,” Jalen says. “It sounded really fun to work with the 4- and 5-year-olds, and it’s another way to get experience.”
When he is not creating art, Jalen also enjoys cooking. He says he got into it during his sophomore year of high school, and now he, his mom and his brother take turns preparing family meals.
“I have six other siblings,” he shares. “I’m the oldest, so I’m the right hand for my mom. I like making pasta and sauce from scratch. It’s simple, fun and delicious.”
Jalen says he might try another apprenticeship with ZYEP, but right now, he’s focused on his pottery and weaving — and on his plans for post-secondary education. A 2021 high school graduate, Jalen plans to start classes at A:shiwi College and Career Center in Zuni this fall.
“I can do pottery at home, but the college has a community kiln,” he says. “And I want to keep weaving! I’m really enjoying it.
“When faced with an opportunity, you should go for it,” he continues. “Try something you’ve never done before. It could open doors.”
